HAZEL Robson has no intention of calling time on her athletics career – and is already targeting a fifth Paralympic appearance in Rio.
Robson, with one gold, two silvers and two bronzes from her previous Games appearances, failed to medal at London 2012.
After just missing out on the podium in the 200m, the 33-year old came home seventh in the 100m final, clocking a season’s best of 15.23 seconds as Russia’s Elena Ivanova sprinted to gold.
And she revealed her disappointment at failing to win a medal for her inspiration, young cousin Thomas, who she’d promised to bring home a shiny present.
“It was a really close race and I really wanted to win a medal for my cousin Thomas. It wasn’t meant to be but there is always next time,” she said.
“I got a really good start but I faded at the end of the race and my legs felt like jelly. I think the heats in the morning might have taken it out of me.”
Robson was the third oldest in Saturday’s final but silver medallist Min Jae Jeon is 36 – giving the Jarrow and Hebburn AC sprinter hope that her 14-year international career can continue a little longer.
And next year’s focus is the World Championships in Lyon, where she’ll seek to upgrade the 100m silver she won in Christchurch in 2011.
“I’m not going to retire, I still really like training and competing, I love my athletics,” she added.
“It’s still a season’s best, so it shows I’m running well and I can’t stop now.
“It’s been an amazing experience, although Sydney is still the best Games for me because that’s when I won the gold medal.”
Great Britain finished the track and field competitions with 27 medals, including ten golds, that ranked them third behind China and Russia on the medal table, a major improvement on their two golds in Beijing, which positioned them a lowly 18th.
“This is the best team we’ve ever had,” said Robson.
“Everybody has been doing so well and it’s been really inspirational seeing everyone win their medals. I wish I could have got one too but maybe next time.”
Lloyds TSB, proud supporter of ParalympicsGB and proud partner of the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Get closer to the Games at lloydstsb.com/london2012
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